Air Boss
$255.00

In Stock

In stock orders ship same day if received by 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time!

One Bag Travel! Air Boss.

The only carry-on bag you'll ever need.

Designed for the business traveler, the popular five star-rated carry-on travel bag is a must-have for anyone who enjoys the many advantages of traveling light: freedom of movement, less time wasted waiting in lines, no lost luggage, easy access, and overall travel simplification. Peruse over 700 customer reviews right here from hundreds of satisfied Air Boss Carry-on customers to get an honest idea if this is the best travel bag for you.

EXPERT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
Follow the link to learn Doug Dyment's bundle wrapping technique so you can fit everything you need, and nothing you don't, in your Air Boss airline carry-on bag to become a more organized happier traveller. Thanks to guideance from Onebag.com, here's a fantastic luggage packing diagram, showing you how to easily "bundle wrap" your clothing in the Air Boss.

WRINKLE-FREE TRAVEL.
Designed with three large main compartments, our Air Boss carry-on bag also features two outside zippered pockets; one full-length, one for your airline tickets, an outside sleeve pocket, and tie downs inside the two outer compartments to keep your belongings in position and wrinkle-free until you can unpack and hang them up at your destination.

A SPACIOUS PLACE FOR YOUR BELONGINGS.
The center compartment is spacious enough to hold your Toiletries, extra shoes, work-out gear, business briefcase, etc. Volara closed-cell foam padding is sewn into the sides, so you've got a rigid, yet flexible, piece of carry-on luggage that still protects your valuable belongings.

NEVER SLIPS OFF.
Includes detachable nonslip Claw Shoulder Strap that keeps your bag where you want it - on your shoulder.

DISCOVER HOW TO PACK IT.
Watch the Air Boss Packing Video posted in the Videos tab where Red Oxx Ambassador Kasey Austin shows how to use many of the bag's thoughtful features.

PROTECT YOUR LAPTOP.
Looking for extra protection for your laptop? A neoprene laptop sleeve is recommended. A "macho" option is to put it in a Metro Briefcase, which will then fit in the center compartment of the Air Boss, adding further protection and giving you a "one bag" travel option...with two bags inside one. Note that this can become a very heavy bag to carry if you decide to try this! Another idea is adding an extra Claw Shoulder Strap from your Metro and then carrying the Air Boss "backpack style" (one strap over each shoulder) can help offset this added load.

A BUSINESS TRAVEL BAG BUILT LIKE A TANK?
Our fans like to define our gear as "built like a tank". While obviously you're not going to be toting around bags that weigh 50 tons and have three inches of armor plate, still the comparison is valid. For a carry-on bag, the Air Boss is built tough. Starting with the most durable, flexible, and practical textile material available -- 1000 weight CORDURA® Brand Nylon, the Air Boss is built using super-strong UV-resistant thread that's stitched into every seam.

BOUND AND BAGGED.
Places where two separate pieces of fabric are stitched together are then bound -- that is, we take a long piece of one-inch wide nylon webbing and fold it over the edges of the two pieces and stitch them together, this creates a strong seam, known as a binding, that prevents the pieces from unraveling on the inside of the bag, or gives it a clean, finished look if on the outside of the bag.

BINDING INSIDE / BINDING OUTSIDE.
In addition, each exposed outside fabric edge, such as on a pocket flap, is also bound using a thicker binding material. Inside edges typically receive a thinner nylon webbing, whereas outside corner edges that are exposed to heavy wear have a thicker nylon binding. All of our binding material is vertically woven to prevent the fraying, peeling or splitting that you may commonly see in competitors carry-on bags that brag of "binding" their edges.

WHY DOUBLE BOX STITCHING?
Each stress point, such as where the handles attach to the bag, is double box stitched - which is where we get the "double XX" in our name, Red Oxx; a stitching practice we adapted from our history as parachute riggers.

MY, WHAT BIG ZIPPERS YOU HAVE!
The reason Red Oxx uses the largest zipper we can afford, the #10 YKK VISLON® zipper, is that they're easily repairable, even in the field; they will hold their place, that is, they "lock"; they are difficult to penetrate, thereby increasing the security of your belongings; they function smoothly in inclement weather, and they can be yanked from a variety of angles without losing teeth or becoming separated.

PUTTING THE HARD IN HARDWARE.
Red Oxx has occasionally been accused of "overdoing" our hardware. But once you've had a cheap piece of plastic "hardware" break in the middle of a busy intersection, airport or other inconvenient locale dumping your precious belongings all over the ground, having a heavy-duty nickel-plated or stainless steel D ring or attachment swivel that weighs just a tiny bit more, or might make a little noise, is a travel companion's confidence builder and peace-of-mind maker. After all, you want to enjoy your journey as best you can. Why worry about having your Air Boss break down?

IS THERE ANOTHER CARRY BAG OPTION?
Looking for a similar carry-on bag but with retractable backpack style shoulder straps? Try our other popular air travel bag, the Sky Train.

Join the fleet feet crowd and travel carry-on with the Commander of the ship: the Air Boss!

Online orders will receive an order confirmation email, a UPS tracking information email when your order ships and a product review request follow-up email eight weeks after delivery. In addition, backorders beyond a dozen working days may receive an order follow-up assurance email. During checkout purchasers have the option to opt-out of our other occasional email notifications. Your email address is always secure.

Air Boss Trivia:On the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, the Air Boss is in charge of all the operations of the flight deck. He controls the moving of planes on deck, landing of aircraft, launching aircraft, ordinance handling, and safety of all the personnel occupying the flight deck. The Air Boss oversees from the command tower. Orders are communicated with the flight deck via megaphone. Ex: "Hey brownshirt. Get out of that checked baggage line and on the plane, now!"

This bag is very well made. It feels like it's going to last for a while.

The only minor suggestions I have after using it a few times are as follows:

1. There is no convenient place to put a pen (which is of course mandatory for international travel). A nice sown-in pen holder would be great.

2. The back of the rivet on top of the passport/boarding pass pocket obstructs that pocket. When inserting my passport / boarding pass in it, it seems to get stuck. Covering the rivet inside the pocket with some kind of fabric would some this. I might have to put a bit of duct tape over mine.

3. It's not obvious where I should put my water bottle. I don't have a specific suggestion here, but a water bottle is essential for long haul flights and it's the only thing that doesn't fit nicely into this bag, so perhaps there's an opportunity to help here.

Also, you will most likely want to combine this bag with a small toiletry bag so that your small items aren't flying all over the Air Boss' big compartments.

Great Bag

By Heath, Ohio, December 6, 2012

I purchased my Air Boss four years ago when my job started requiring more travel. I did a good bit of research and ultimately decided on this one based on the recommendation of onebag.com.

My Air Boss has been on numerous trips now including multiple flights through LHR without issue. It still looks as good as the day I got it and I have yet to find an overhead that I can't fit it into. The bag holds way more than you would think by looking at it but I still try to keep the weight to a minimum for comfort.

The only thing negative I can say is that I personally don't care for the claw strap on long trips with a lot of walking. The claw works as advertised it is just not padded enough for me.

I have put this bag through its paces in the last few years and I have no regrets about purchasing it. It is overbuilt, you will never have to buy another one. That being said, I have purchased several other Red Oxx products to fulfill other areas of need. I own the metro briefcase, the market tote and I recently purchased the Safari Beanos PR-5 as a gift. All awesome bags!

I'll never use another travel bag

By Bill Higgins, Chicago, December 3, 2012

This is easily the best travel bag I've ever used. At first I didn't know what to think about the no-wheels thing. Now I love it. You move so much faster. It *always* fits in the overhead. You never have to put it in the trunk of the car if you don't want to. And I've gotten noticeably stronger just from walking around with my bag.

My brother has the bag now; multiple of my closest friends have the bag now. We all love it. I get so many nice compliments from people about it.

I fly a lot for work on little Embraer jets, and the airline always gives people tags at the gate for gate check. I always refuse the tag and say I don't need it. The lady says, "You might, take it anyway." And I say, "I won't, I promise you." And I'm always right about it! It is the best feeling.

You'll never regret buying this baby. It is the real thing.

To China and Back Again

By Derek, Texas, November 30, 2012

I used the Air Boss as my lone bag on a recent trip to China. I spent a month in Beijing and this bag held everything I needed. After visiting onebag.com I was able to pack 5 outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, toiletries kit, and an ipad plus cables into this bag with no problem.

Fully loaded it fit into every overhead compartment with ease. I must say my favorite feature is the side pocket that held my boarding passes and passport securely and with easy accessibility. Overall, it was an absolute joy to carry only one bag and to have total confidence in it. The craftsmanship is impecable! Thanks for a great bag.

Over researched, very satisfied

By Nick, Kansas City, MO, November 29, 2012

I decided I wanted to start traveling with one bag (no wheels) and researched many different options. To me it came down to the Air Boss and the Aeronaut or TriStar.

Ultimately, I felt the Air Boss would handle suits and the bundle packing method the best and have not been disappointed. I'm able to easily accommodate my standard 4 day/3 night trips with business, casual and workout clothes as well as my laptop.

My first trip included a regional jet...no gate check necessary. The claw is absolutely "no slip" and actually requires quite deliberately removing it from your shoulder for it to let go. I'm looking forward to years of enjoyment traveling with this bag.

Beware!

By Michael Thompson, Lookout Mountain, GA, November 29, 2012

The workmanship on this piece of luggage is fantastic. HOWEVER, to use it as a carry on bag that has to be actually carried, it is a disaster. The bag, when decently packed is heavy and very inconvenient and awkward to lug through a terminal. The shoulder strap is well engineered, but it pulls your shirt or jacket off of your shoulder from the weigh of the bag. The first time that I used my new bag and was making my way through O'Hare, I was frankly and openly envious of my traveling companion's wheeled luggage. Sure, you loose some flexibility with wheels, but what you gain is comfort and ease of movement and a much better travel experience.

So mobile

By Jake, Wichita, KS, November 16, 2012

I've had my Air Boss for 2 weeks now. So far I've converted my old man who has thrown his spinner to the curb and I've got TSA agents / flight attendants asking me about it. I'm in love with this bag. No more wrist pain from push/dragging a spinner and no more expensive wheels to replace. The bag of course is durable, no question there. I've found it easy to pack and have been surprised how much I can fit. I have yet to be challenged to fit/measure my bag as other with rollers have.

I highly recommend. I just bought a CPA briefcase and tri-fold shave kit. I'll review those after I get them.

Too Good

By S.T. , Southeast Asia, November 14, 2012

Awesome bag, but have to agree with the comments that this bag can be to heavy when packed for long trips. Understand that its not the bags fault - travel extensively internationally to include many 3rd world countries. Lived out of this one carry on bag on many 15+ day trips but have difficulty carrying the bag for long distance in and out of the airports. I'm prior service military and in reasonable shape at 6 foot and 200 lbs but am worn out after carrying a fully loaded bag on a 20+ hour international trip. With that said, this bag is as tough as a rock and will most likely outlast my travel days. I'm a dedicated customer and will be a life long customer of Red Oxx.

Short Trip Dream

By Terri, North Carolina, November 8, 2012

I love this bag for short trips when it is not packed to capacity. Normally, I pack for three day trips. There is plenty of room to spare and the bag is easy to carry using the shoulder strap. It never slips and I hardly know it is there. I love having both hands free. My last trip was a six day trip to Guatemala.

I thought I did a good job packing but ended up with a fully packed Air Boss. It was a struggle to carry the bag. I could not carry it on my shoulder. It was just too heavy. Admittedly, the Guatemala trip required long walks through the ATL airport and uphill treks in Xela.

I'm going to have to revert to my carry on roller bag for trips that last more than four day or I am going to have to get some muscles. In the mean time, I will happily travel with the Air Boss on the many long weekend trips that I take to Baltimore. I have no regrets about the purchase. This bag will last forever and I have no doubt I will get my money's worth out of it.

Absolutely Fabulous

By JvH, California, November 8, 2012

I am now a former overpacker... it's embarrassing how much luggage I took for 8 weeks in South Africa. I didn't think I could do it, but I was able to pack for a 7 day US business trip with some leisure activities and EVERYTHING fit!

I can't carry things for long distances, so I used a fold up external luggage cart and it worked splendidly! Next trip, 6 weeks in Ukraine and I am going to have one bag - my Red Oxx.

Great for business travel

By Forrest Small, New Hampshire, October 25, 2012

It took me several months of consideration before I finally bought the Air Boss. I was getting by with my years-old Samsonite rollaboard and I was concerned about how well the Air Boss would handle business suits. The reviews I read were a bit mixed in this area, and since this is my primary type of travel, I didn't want to end up with a bag I wouldn't want to use.

A recent trip to the Middle East pushed me to reconsider the Air Boss. I was concerned about having to check a bag on an international flight and ending up without my suits. I re-read the OneBag.com site and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did.

My trap was to be a full week. I carried two suits, some casual clothes, my dress shoes, and various toiletries. I packed light, but not much lighter than normal. I was amazed as I followed the bundle packing technique and ended up with an Air Boss that still had plenty of room to spare in the center compartment. I chickened out and carried my small Tumi briefcase in case I needed some extra room, but I ended up not needing it. I could have gone "one-bag".

When I arrived at my hotel after a full day of traveling, I was amazed to find only a few soft wrinkles in my shirts. My suits were perfect!

It was wonderful to be able to cruise through the airport and in-and-out of cabs with my light-weight Air Boss on my shoulder. It was the lightest bag I have ever carried, on even a short trip. Best of all, it holds the same amount of clothes as my rollaboard and keeps them in better condition.

The Air Boss will also work well as a weekend bag because it's more flexible and fits better in a tightly packed car. It also travels a lot better than a wheeled bag into ski area hotels and condos!

I recommend this bag to any business traveler! If you follow the advice on the OneBag.com site you will be amazed at how well this bag works.

Amazing

By Anonymous, California, October 25, 2012

The perfect bag. Incredible customer service to boot.

Like a BOSS!

By Ron Paul's Freaking Giant, New Hampshire, October 20, 2012

I travel a lot for work. Almost every week I am in a plane. I have tried all sorts of bags and systems. This bag is EXACTLY what I needed.

I have since been on two trips with this bag and it worked just as I had hoped. Zippers are rugged. Size is perfect.

Yes it can get 'heavy' but I am only carrying it into the airport and to a taxi or rental car.

Quality product

By Dev, Canada, October 18, 2012

I have a feeling I'll be including my Air Boss in my will - the build quality is outstanding and the materials used (especially those zippers) are the best I've ever seen. Using it is a bit of an adjustment from a wheeled bag, but the pros well outweigh the cons and I was able to pack more in the Air Boss than I thought.

Excellent all round!

Great!

By Joe, Ohio, October 16, 2012

Great bag; did one bag, 10 days business travel (UK and Turkey) rarely staying in one place for a night. Planes, trains, buses, and and a ferry; up and down stairs at stations and city streets to hotels...would have been hell with roller case.

Best thing, and biggest surprise, was utility of outsider compartments with tiedowns. Not having to unpack & repack whole suitcase was great. Do the bundle wrap and alt. sides each night.

One thing to watch: it would be easy to overfill so still need to pack light.

It's amazing on planes. It fits in places it shouldn't but does. Will not get gate-checked with this.

Should say works for small trips too; felt like a feather for a three day trip.

Pragmatic design. Looks good too!

By Anonymous, Kirkland, WA, October 13, 2012

Great for one bag packing.

Great for Travel

By Scott Jordan, Ketchum, ID, October 11, 2012

I recently purchased this bag to take with me on a 10 day trip to Europe. I wanted a bag I could carry on, and after seeing suggestions on onebag.com I was directed to the Air Boss. It was great! Sturdy zippers, great design, and plenty of room. I was able to pack everything with me in this one carry on and carry everything else in my SCOTTEVEST. Take a look at how I packed my Air Boss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HceOAyj58ok

Well, not all that.

By Dr. Seno, Indiana, October 10, 2012

While this most certainly is a beautiful bag of the highest construction, it's too heavy when filled. I couldn't even lift it into the overhead bin and was happy when I made it to the gate with this on my shoulder! Yes, I'm not big or young but I'm spry for my size and age. This bag is just too big to be without wheels.

One other problem in the design is that the side compartments, when open, leave your clothes strapped in vertically, on the in side of the compartment. So your clothes all come tumbling out when you unstrap them.

I'd like the clothes to lay down when opening the bag. Otherwise you have to flip the bag over for access to either side.

I'd return the bag and get a smaller one, but that's not possible with store policy.

I'll learn to love it I suppose. But, gee, the money spent!

Review Update: The right bag for the right purpose

By Anonymous, San Francisco, October 7, 2012

So, I posted previously about how this did not work for me on a long, multi-airport trip? I just used it for a shorter, single airport trip and the bag was a dream. It was everything I would want in a carry-on. You need to really understand how you travel to know what exactly is right. When this bag works, it is amazing. One more beef, and that may have to do with my own packing inadequacies, but:

I bought the Metro Briefcase because they suggest using it the center for extra laptop protection. I love the bag, but it does not work for me in this configuration. I end up carrying two bags, as it is too bulky to fit in the middle compartment.

The Good, The Bad and Well, there isn't any ugly

By Anonymous, San Francisco , September 28, 2012

The Good:

1) Top-notch construction quality

2) Beautiful design

3) When used with a packing system you can fit an incredible amount of gear in this carryon (see one bag.com for a good system)

The Bad:

OK, this is, no doubt, the perfect bag for a certain kind of travel. I used it on the first go-around for a long trip that included mostly airports and hotels, with long runs through the airport on long travel legs (e.g., SFO, Hong Kong, Dubai). Carrying this bag was much harder than rolling a bag. Sorry, but it is true. I am fairly big, strong and fit, but by the time I hauled it around on a 22 hour multi-airport trip I was sweaty, uncomfortable and sore.

Again, I will use this bag extensively, but not on long business trips that are mostly airport and hotels...

Red Oxx "No Bull" Warranty

As time rolls a ceaseless course, only the genuine guarantee remains. The mountains will persist, the oceans are bound to endure and Red Oxx will continue to be rugged, reliable, and tough.

To the depths of the Amazon basin to the peaks of the Himilayas, Red Oxx Manufacturing is infallible.

Red Oxx Bags are guaranteed forever, be sure to include them in your will.

Made in U.S.A.

Red Oxx Bags are handcrafted in Billings, Montana. U.S.A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Air Boss carry-on legal?
Yes, the Air Boss is carry-on legal on most jet airlines.

What's the best way to pack the Air Boss?
The bundle packing method is recommended. Watch the packing video under the Videos tab or download the printable Air Boss luggage packing diagram (Pdf file).

What's the difference between the Air Boss and the Sky Train?
There are two principle differences between the Air Boss and the Sky Train: The Sky Train has retractable backpack straps and opens flat lengthwise whereas the Air Boss opens flat like a book.

Will the Air Boss fit under the seat in front of me?
Cramming your Air Boss under the seat is not recommended.

Will the Eagle Creek packing cubes fit the Air Boss?
Why not use our Nomad Shave Kit, Lil Roy Gadget Bag or Tri-fold Toiletry bag as packing cubes? You can color co-ordinate them to your preference and they come with useful carry handles. The Tri-Fold Toiletry Kit is also a brilliant shave kit organizer due to its three individual zippered mesh pockets and unique fold-open-flat hanging design.

How many pounds will the Air Boss weigh when packed?
It depends on what you pack. A typical 3-5 day load will weigh about 20-25 pounds.

How many days of travel can I fit in the Air Boss Carry-on?
Most travelers can get about 3-5 days with a typical load. Some adventurous types have been able to pack from a week to ten days! It all depends on how you pack and what you pack.

Where do I pack my laptop?
You can use the center compartment. We recommend that you use a padded neoprene sleeve to protect your laptop.

What's the best way to pack footwear?
Sole-to-sole to minimize the dirt and placed in the middle compartment inside a plastic bag.

Can I change the logo color?
Sure. Simply order your favorite color Logo Patch and sew it on yourself. Red Oxx cannot change the patch colors for you.

Can I order a bag without the logo?
Logo Patches are centered using a hole punch. If you remove the patch, there will be a hole in the bag that could cause a snag. Red Oxx cannot build a bag without a logo as this would disrupt the efficiency of the production line. Feel free to use a permanent marker to color the patches.

Is there a way to securely lock my bag?
Sure, you can use any TSA approved bag lock or try our Cable Lock for a simple, semi-secure solution. Watch this video where CEO Jim Markel demonstrates how you can use the cable that comes with the product Dog Tag price tag to secure your bag. Keep in mind, any determined thief can still cut open a soft sided bag with a sharp knife.

Are there any interior pockets?
The Air Boss has three large internal compartments. There are no internal pockets.

My zipper broke. The teeth have separated. Do I send it in for warranty repair?
No need for warranty repair, fix it yourself. Check out this video where CEO Jim Markel shows how easy it is to do it yourself.

Can you ship USPS?
Yes, Red Oxx will ship USPS upon request. Simply state, "Please ship USPS" in the cart comments during checkout and we will adjust your billing accordingly.